About Me

I made my first quilt in 1973 while pregnant with my second daughter. My mother and grandmother both quilted but had not taught me, so I really began from scratch. I wanted a quilt to cover her bassinet, it was awful but it kept her head from rubbing the woven bassinet. My next attempt was a crib quilt for her but I had no one to tell me how large to make it. I measured the mattress and made it that size. Sunbonnet Sue and Overall Sam with no room to cover the baby. It just lays flat on the mattress. To say I have learned a lot, is an understatement.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Olivia The Great!

I believe there are very few people who don't try to volunteer to do something to help others. I did say, 'try' because there are a lot who think about doing something and then find the age old "I don't have time" response. They are not bad people because they don't volunteer, they are just very busy people.

Like a lot of quilt shops, we are involved in the 1 Million Pillowcase program from American Patchwork and Quilting. We donated a batch this week to The Alliance Against Family Violence which is our local abuse shelter. They have told us they love these and use them as a "ditty bag" for people who come to them. Each is filled with personal products such as soap, shampoo and underwear; anything that is of immediate need to someone who has left their home due to abuse. We are thrilled to help with that.

We have several customers who have embraced this project and have donated quite a few pillowcases. We welcome any and all who want to help with this program.

The most interesting volunteer, however, is not making pillowcases. Olivia is the 12 year old granddaughter of one of our volunteers. She created her own quilted item to make for others. They are called "Liv's Love Buddies" . They have been donated to the children at the shelter. So far she has donated 58 of these adorable little dolls.

Olivia has also made a few to try to sell in the shop to make enough to cover her fabric purchases. If you would like one, please let me know, they are only $4.99 each.

This is the type person we need to encourage to continue her humanitarian pursuits. We think Olivia is just a great young lady and deserves the very best there is in life.

I can't get over to the shop to get one - I'm in Scotland! But I'd love to have Olivia tell me how to make them for over here, to go with our Comfort Quilts? That's if Olivia would be willing to share her pattern and tips! Perhaps I can get some of the young quilters in the UK making some too?